The Wright School of Business at Dalton State College molds students into promising business leaders of our future. This AACSB accredited school provides student-engaged learning opportunities through partnerships with Freightwaves, SAP, and Oddisee. In 2016, Lamar and Ann Wright made a generous $5 million donation, which was matched by the Georgia Board of Regents. The $10 million was used to renovate Gignilliat Hall, which was recently completed in 2019. Gignilliat Hall features all of the modern business amenities a student could dream of, including a finance lab, marketing focus group lab, interview rooms, and an atrium for networking events. Lamar’s favorite business quotes from leaders such as Warren Buffet and Steve Jobs are featured throughout the building and provide inspiration for students.
Education
Undergraduate students can earn a BBA with a major in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Management, Accounting, Finance and Applied Economics, Management Information Systems, or Marketing. A minor in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Technology, Forensic Accounting, Human Resource Management, or International Business can be added to complement the BBA. Experiential learning is a central focus of each degree, and coursework includes case studies, real-world projects, and independent study research. All seniors must also complete the Strategic Management Capstone course. This course allows students to collaborate with publicly traded companies to solve problems in areas such as environmental analysis, organizational direction, and strategy implementation.
Student Life
Students become familiar with the business landscape of downtown Dalton though internships and the Business Accelerator. Interns are matched with employers through the “Business in Action” program, and receive college credit in exchange for their work. Companies are invited to the campus for the “Employer of the Day” program, where they can inform students of opportunities with their organization. In 2019, accounting students partnered with the Georgia United Credit Union to file more than 500 tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
There are many business organizations for Wright students to get involved in, such as the Association for Latino Professionals for America, the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the Wright Club, or as a Wright Student Ambassador. Student Ambassadors are selected by the Dean based on a competitive set of criteria. The Wright Club features monthly guest speakers from a variety of business disciplines. Students can gain perspective on new cultures by participating in a study abroad program. Spring break and summer destinations include Belgium, London, Mexico, Peru, Taiwan, and many others.
Online Programs
A convenient, fully online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership helps students take the first step towards advancing to a management role. This degree features industry-specific tracks in Health Care Administration, Office Administration and Technology, and Public Service. Courses are taught by highly qualified professors who have been nominated by their university within the University System of Georgia, and students also have access to free tutoring and a writing lab through Smarthinking. In 2016, online tuition was reduced by 20 percent to make earning a college degree, for the first time or returning to college, an affordable option.